Our recommendation is that both DirecTV and DISH Network offer a superior television viewing experience than cable tv. Both are alot cheaper than cable, offer superior picture quality and free equipment and instalation. Both also offer superior customer care service compared to local cable providers. If you're a big sports fan and just have to have that certain premium sports package, then DirecTV is for you; but if you're not a huge sports fan and cost is an issue, then you might want to go with DISH Network and it's entry level America's Top 60 at just $24.99 a month. Also, remember that DirecTV will require a one year commitment, whereas with DISH Network there is no contract to sign, meaning you can cancel your service at anytime and not have to pay a penalty.

Whichever satellite provider you choose, you can't go wrong. As a subscriber of DISH Network and a sales person that has several years experience in satellite tv industry (have sold both DirecTV & DISH Network)I highly recommend that you drop cable, stop feeding pig and switch to satellite tv service today. The vastly superior picture quality alone that DBS satellite technology provides makes it worth change. It's like heaven watching tv with no more squiggly lines running across tv screen!

March of 1998 brings a big change as DISH Network relocates its world headquarters to Riverfront building in Littleton, Colorado. Just two months later, EchoStar IV is launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, providing service to continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

Now three years old and growing, company launches EchoStar V from Cape Canaveral, Florida in September of 1999. Just one month later, DISH Network celebrates its 3 millionth customer. Orbiting at 110 degrees West Longitude, EchoStar V services continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico.

The year 2000 brings a number of changes, including a fourth servicing center in El Paso, Texas. In July, EchoStar VI is launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, becoming part of company’s primary satellite system offering core services to continental United States. In November, DISH Network acquires its 5 millionth customer.

EchoStar VII was launched in February 2002 and takes its place at 119 degrees West Longitude with company’s other primary satellites. Servicing continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico, EchoStar VII was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida and boasted a launch weight of just under 9000 pounds.

EchoStar VIII was launched later that same year, just after company celebrates its 7 millionth customer milestone. EchoStar VIII was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan and weighed in at 10,274 pounds at launch. Just a few months later, DISH Network systems become available at Wal-Mart stores nationwide.

In April of 2005, DISH Network launched its ninth satellite from a floating platform at equator. EchoStar IX will orbit at 121 degrees West Longitude position and join EchoStar’s eight other satellites in bringing digital service to over eight million customers.

About the Authors: Gary Davis is owner of Dish Network Satellite TV and has written numerous articles on the satellite television industry. Kate Ivy has written for a variety of publications and websites and is the owner of